Noise Management Plan - West Sussex

SEPTEMBER 2019

Angus Energy Plc

Noise Management Plan Balcombe 2z hydrocarbon – Extended Well Test

Noise Management Plan

297149-00(00) – Angus Energy Plc

Balcombe 2z hydrocarbon

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1. Summary

RSK Environment Ltd has been commissioned by Angus Energy Plc to undertake a noise

assessment of the potential noise impacts associated with the proposed exploration of

flow testing and monitoring of the existing 2z hydrocarbon lateral borehole, Balcombe.

Following approval of planning application (Doc ref: ‘WSCC/040/17/BA’ (10 January

2018)), in the Autumn of 2018 Angus Energy Plc carried out a 7 day well test on the

Balcombe 2z well, but due to leftover drilling fluids in the well sustained oil flows were not

achieved.

Angus Energy Plc now intends to return to the well to initially remove the leftover drilling

fluids, and if the well shows oil following the removal of these drilling fluids, then the

second stage would be to carry out the extended well test (EWT). If not, then the

operation would likely cease at this point. The Local Authority deemed that the existing

planning permission which ran for 6 months from the beginning of the Autumn 2018 test

had expired due to notification to the council that the original work had ‘finished’. The

operation was therefore cancelled. Angus Energy Plc are therefore in the process of

applying for an extended operational duration and consent for pumping the remaining

fluid and EWT.

As such the proposed new operations is said to use similar equipment and plant to that

allowed under temporary planning permission WSCC/040/17/BA, where the only

significant changes are the proposed operations and extended duration of works.

The first assessment undertaken by RSK Environment Ltd (Doc ref: ‘Balcombe Noise

Management Plan (01)’) back in August 2018 quantified the potential noise impact

associated with the existing noise environment during the initial site exploration and well

testing. The entire site was established suitable for the proposed development providing

that the required level mitigation is employed during the full extent of the proposed works.

As such RSK Environment Ltd have now been commissioned to undertake an updated

assessment for the proposed works relating to the pumping and EWT.

The update assessment work provides the noise impacts associated with new proposed

pumping and EWT works. This document presents a noise management plan (NMP) for

the gas exploration site. It establishes the framework within which noise from the site will

be controlled. Control will be by the following measures:

• Best Practicable Means;

• Setting noise limits;

• Noise monitoring procedure;

• Community liaison;

• Procedure for addressing any complaints received; and

• Details of mitigation methods (if required).

Details of these approaches are provided within this plan.




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2. Site Objectives

The proposed works at the Balcombe 2z hydrocarbon site will involve the following two

stages:

• Stage 1: Pumping remaining drill fluids; and

• Stage 2: Extended well test.

3. Introduction

Planning permission is now being applied for the initial stage 1 pumping operation

anticipated to take 4 weeks. Assuming this is successful Angus would then move on to

stage 2 EWT. Initially, Angus would be looking to carry out an EWT for approximately 3

years in length.

4. Management of Noise Impacts

The requirement to use Best Practicable Means (BPM) to mitigate the effects of noise

and vibration is set out in section 72 of the Control of Pollution Act 1974 and section 79

of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Best Practicable Means incorporates two

essential elements:

• Practicable – this is defined as reasonably practicable having regard, among

other things, to local conditions and circumstances; the current state of technical

knowledge; and to financial implications; and

• Means – these are the means to be employed, including design, installation,

maintenance, manner and periods of operation of plant and machinery; and the

design, construction and maintenance of buildings and structures.

5. Plant Repair and Maintenance

All planned repairs and maintenance of plant shall be undertaken during normal working

hours. By exception repair and maintenance may need to be carried out outside normal

working hours. Activities outside normal working hours that could give rise to disturbance

will be kept to a practicable minimum. Such maintenance activities shall only be

undertaken within the site compound and behind the site hoarding.

6. Noise Control

The contractor will, in so far as is reasonably practicable, control and limit noise levels so

that residential properties and other sensitive receptors are protected from excessive

noise from the site. Best Practicable Means (BPMs) shall be employed at all times and

for all stages of set up, operation, and decommissioning of the site.

Details of the site activities and steps to minimise noise are set out in this NMP. Any

changes to the noise monitoring methodology set out in this plan, working practices or

equipment to be used that affect the offsite noise level will be discussed with West Sussex

County Council (WSCC). Noise prediction, evaluation and assessment of noise will, by

necessity, be a continuous activity throughout all stages of set up, operation, and




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decommissioning of the site.

Measures to be considered in implementing BPMs will be consistent with condition 15

(Shown in Appendix B) and the recommendations of BS5228-1:2014 ‘Code of practise

for noise and vibration and open sites’ and will, where reasonably practicable, include

BMPs shown within Section 23.

7. Noise Limit Criteria

The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) (published March 2012 and updated in

2019) is the means by which noise is considered within the planning regime. The NPPF

provides a series of policies, giving local authorities the flexibility in meeting the needs of

local communities. An associated technical guidance note for NPPF provides noise limits

when determining planning applications covering minerals extraction. The noise limits

from the NPPF technical guidance are presented in Table 7.1.

Table 7.1: Assessment Criteria

Time Period First Aim Alternative Limit

Day: 0700 – 1900

Background LA90,t + 10dB

As close as possible to the LA90+10dB, with an upper limit of 55dB LAeq,1hour

Evening: 1900 – 2200

Background LA90,t + 10dB

Night: 2200 - 0700 42 dB LAeq,1hour

8. Baseline Noise Measurements

Unattended and attended noise measurements were taken between 20 September 2017

and 28 September 2017. The results of the survey are summarised in Tables 8.1 and

8.2. A full set of measurement data can be available upon request.

Table 8.1: Attended Noise Level Measurement Results

Location Date Time

Period

Start

Time

Duration

(hh:mm)

Statistical Parameters, dB

LAeq, T LAmax,T LA10,T LA90, T

R2

20/09/17 Day 17:26 01:00 59.5 88.3 49.1 37.8

28/09/17 Evening 19:34 01:00 35.1 59.4 37.0 29.0

21/09/17 Night 23:15 01:00 33.3 57.2 36.0 26.3

R3

20/09/17 Day 16:14 01:00 49.5 75.3 46.8 40.4

21/09/17 Evening 21:05 01:00 44.7 74.7 39.6 29.9

21/09/17 Night 22:05 01:00 39.3 73.8 36.6 26.7




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Location Date Time

Period

Start

Time

Duration

(hh:mm)


LAeq, T LAmax,T LA10,T LA90, T

R4 20/09/17 Day 12:26 01:00 51.0 80.3 53.2 45.0

R4

28/09/17 Evening 20:50 01:00 43.2 74.9 44.0 31.6

20/09/17 Night 00:22 01:00 28.6 60.0 30.3 23.7

R5

21/09/17 Day 11:11 01:00 70.3 89.8 74.7 47.4

21/09/17 Evening 19:33 01:00 69.9 87.5 73.0 40.7

20/09/17 Night 22:00 01:00 63.5 87.3 61.6 30.2

Table 8.2: Unattended Noise Level Measurement Results

Date Time

Period

Start

Time

Duration

(hh:mm)


LAeq,T

(a) LAmax, T

LA10,T

(a)

LA90,T

(a)

20/09/17

Day 17:26 12:00 54.7 84.5 56.0 43.3

Evening 19:00 03:00 50.9 79.3 51.4 37.2

Night 22:00 09:00 51.3 87.8 43.9 33.9

21/09/17

Day 07:00 12:00 54.3 87.8 56.2 44.9

Evening 19:00 03:00 48.7 76.3 48.7 38.8

Night 22:00 09:00 50.3 90.7 43.0 35.4

22/09/17

Day 07:00 12:00 63.9 88.9 58.4 41.9

Evening 19:00 03:00 50.3 74.1 50.8 39.1

Night 22:00 09:00 51.9 90.7 44.0 35.7

23/09/17

Day 07:00 12:00 55.7 89.5 55.0 40.9

Evening 19:00 03:00 49.7 81.8 50.2 37.0




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Date Time

Period

Start

Time

Duration

(hh:mm)


LAeq,T

(a) LAmax, T

LA10,T

(a)

LA90,T

(a)

Night 22:00 09:00 45.9 84.1 43.2 33.4

24/09/17

Day 07:00 12:00 55.1 87.5 53.4 40.7

Evening 19:00 03:00 49.6 76.5 50.9 39.8

Night 22:00 09:00 32.5 62.0 37.7 34.6

25/09/17

Day 07:00 12:00 54.0 92.1 53.7 40.4

Evening 19:00 03:00 49.0 67.2 47.6 35.1

Night 22:00 09:00 44.6 73.6 40.4 33.0

26/09/17

Day 07:00 12:00 53.3 85.3 53.4 39.8

Evening 19:00 03:00 50.0 73.4 49.0 36.6

Night 22:00 09:00 51.5 90.5 42.8 33.5

27/09/17

Day 07:00 12:00 53.6 84.8 55.0 41.9

Evening 19:00 03:00 N/A1 N/A1 N/A1 N/A1

Night 22:00 09:00 42.8 76.2 51.2 37.1

28/09/17 Day 07:00 11:00 64.6 93.7 56.1 41.8

Average(a) / Highest LAmax

Day 59.1 93.7 55.2 41.7

Evening 49.8 81.8 49.8 37.7

Night 48.9 90.7 43.3 34.6

(a) LAeq,T values are the logarithmic average of LAeq,15min samples, and the LA10,T and LA90,T are the arithmetic average of LA10,15min and LA90,15min samples respectively.

1 Data excluded due to rain during this period.




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9. Working hours

Site operation and the movement of all Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) to and from the site will be undertaken during standard working hours i.e. 08:00 to 18:00 Monday to Friday; and 08:00 to 13:00 on Saturdays. Contingency works will be undertaken over 24 hours where required. Pumping of fluids in stage 1 would take approximately 4 weeks. Stage 2 would take approximately 3 years following satisfactory results in stage 1.

10. Identification of Sensitive Receptors

This section identifies the existing noise sensitive receptors within close proximity of the site. These receptors are shown in Table 10.1 below.

Table 10.1: Existing Sensitive Receptors near to site location

ID Receptor Positioning (x,y) Distance form site

(m)

R1 Kemp Farm 530830.84, 129575.86

380

R2 Upper Pilstye Cottage 530472.78, 128702.12

765

R3 Pilstye Farm Cottage 530702.37, 128498.19

810

R4 Norfolk Cottage 530252.68, 129480.83

775

R5 Peartree cottage 531564.84, 129822.91

745

The closest receptors to the site are shown in Figure 1.1 and site location is shown in

Figure1.2.




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Figure 1.1: Receptors and Site Location




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Figure 1.2: Site Layout




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11. Plant Noise Level

Full details of the calculation of operational noise levels are given in Appendix A, including the main items of plant and the noise level attributed to the plant. The following plant and equipment will be required to support the proposed operations of stage 1 and 2, including plant equipment for contingency operations:

Stage 1 – Pumping remaining drill fluids – equipment

• Surge Tank – Low pressure separator;

• Associated Pipe Work & Manifolding;

• Oil & waste storage tanks;

• LRP – Linear Rod Pump; and

• Vapour Recovery Tank.

Stage 2 – Extended Well Test (EWT) – equipment

• Test Separator Unit;

• Onboard data acquisition and reporting system;

• Associated Pipework & Manifolding Package;

• Surface system;

• Choke Manifold;

• Surge Tank – Second stage separator;

• Oil & waste storage tanks;

• LRP – Linear Rod Pump; and

• Vapour Recovery Tank (as per EA specifications).

Stage 2 Contingency 1 – Nitrogen Lift – equipment

If nitrogen lift is required, the below kit would be additional to kit listed for stage 2

operations.

• Coiled tubing unit incl. injector head and reel;

• Nitrogen Convertor; and

• 2 – 4 Nitrogen tanks.

Stage 2 Contingency 2 – Acid Wash with Coiled Tubing (CT) – equipment

If an acid wash is required, the below kit would be additional to kit listed for stage 2 and

contingency 1 operation.

• HCl Acid Truck.

12. Operational Noise Emissions

Plant noise levels associated with the well testing operations have been obtained from

Angus Energy Plc. For generic, non-specific items of plant are obtained from Annex C

and D of BS 5228:2009+A1:2014 used to estimate the plant levels of plant measured at




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10m. All items of plant have been converted to sound power levels (Lw) and have been

represented as point and areas sources where appropriate.

The operational resultant noise emissions are set out in Section 15.

13. Noise Calculations

Worst-case operational noise levels from each activity have been calculated, using the

methodology set out in Annex F of BS 5228:2009+A1:2014. Although the operations on

site could be classed as either ‘operational’ or ‘construction’ for the purpose of predictions

it is felt the calculation algorithm in BS5228 is most appropriate. The calculations have

been set up to predict maximum noise levels from each activity at worst case sensitive

receptors, considering the plant in operation at closest distance of approach from the

receptor.

The noise predictions at each considered receptor have been compared to the noise

criteria limits as defined in Table 7.1, Section 7. This was accomplished in order to assess

the significance of the impact against the criteria as a result of the operational noise from

the site.

14. Noise Modelling

A computer noise model has been created in order to determine the plant noise level at

the façade of the nearest receptors arising from operations within the site. Predictions

have been undertaken using Soundplan v8.1, which incorporates methodology specified

within ISO 9613-2. The noise prediction method described in ISO 9613 is suitable for a

wide range of engineering applications where the noise level outdoors is of interest. The

noise source(s) may be moving or stationary and the method considers the following

major mechanisms of noise attenuation:

• Geometrical divergence (also known as distance loss or geometric damping);

• Atmospheric absorption;

• Ground effect;

• Reflection from surfaces; and

• Screening by obstacles and buildings.

The model has been set up using the following parameters:

Table 14.1: Modelling parameters

Item Setting

Algorithms Source noise - ISO 9613:-2:1996 ‘Attenuation of sound during propagation outdoors – general method of calculation’

Ground Absorption

Acoustically soft (assumed 0.7 coefficient) – mostly farming land with roads and scattered houses.

Acoustically hard (assumed 0.4 coefficient) – mostly gravel and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) membrane around the well area.




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Item Setting

Meteorological Conditions

10 degrees Celsius

70% humidity

Wind from source to receiver

Façade Corrections

No facade corrections are applied. Predicted noise levels are free-field.

Receptor Height Ground Floor 1.5m above ground (daytime)

First Floor 4m above ground (night-time)

Imbedded site mitigation

Calculations have assumed localised barriers around stationary items of plant where deemed necessary (See Appendix A). Furthermore, the site benefits from a 0.5m bund positioned around the entire work area perimeter, with a 2m site fence positioned around external site boundary as shown with the screening request (Doc ref: ‘Screening Request - 12-06-19’).

Source Modelling Items of plant have assumed point source radiation.

Terrain Terrain contours intervals of 2m have been imported into the model, using 2m resolution terrain contours.

Site Layout Digitised based on aerial imagery with 50cm resolution

15. Predicted Noise Levels

A summary of predicted noise levels from the different phases at the closest properties to the works and the corresponding assessment criteria is presented in Table 15.1. Due to the distance between the site and the closest residential receptors and the nature of the site noise (i.e. broadband), it is unlikely that higher frequencies would contribute significantly to the overall noise level and the tones unlikely to be present at receptors. The noise will neither be intermittent (being continuous for the time it is on) irregular, nor impulsive. Therefore, no acoustic corrections as per conditions 13 have been applied to specific noise levels of the site operations.

An assessment for the proposed operation at the site has been conducted for each of those at the most exposed facades of the residential receptors for the site operations. Predictions which exceed the assessment criteria have been highlighted.

Table 15.1: Predicted noise levels at the closest receptors

Period

Criteria

(Background LA90,t + 10dB)

Highest Predicted Site Operation Noise Levels / dB LAeq, T

Stage 1 Stage 2

Stage 2 –

Contingency

1

Stage 2 –

Contingency

2

Pumping

remaining

drill fluids

Extended

Well Test

Extended

Well Test +

Nitrogen lift

Extended

Well Test +

Acid Wash

with CT

R1 Day 55 43 43 43 43




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Period

Criteria

(Background LA90,t + 10dB)

Highest Predicted Site Operation Noise Levels / dB LAeq, T

Stage 1 Stage 2

Stage 2 –

Contingency

1

Stage 2 –

Contingency

2

Pumping

remaining

drill fluids

Extended

Well Test

Extended

Well Test +

Nitrogen lift

Extended

Well Test +

Acid Wash

with CT

Evening 48 43 43 43 43

Night 42 43 43 43 43

R2

Day 55 30 30 30 31

Evening 39 30 30 30 31

Night 42 30 30 30 31

R3

Day 55 28 29 29 30

Evening 40 28 29 29 30

Night 42 28 29 29 30

R4

Day 55 36 36 36 36

Evening 42 36 36 36 36

Night 42 36 36 36 36

R5

Day 55 21 21 21 21

Evening 51 21 21 21 21

Night 42 21 21 21 21

The assessment of impact is undertaken by comparing the measured background noise

level (LA90) plus 10dB to the calculated plant level (LAeq) at each receptor (NPPF first

criteria). Since the calculated plant level (LAeq) at each receptor was above to the first

aim criteria within NPPF technical guidance for night time, it was necessary to assess the

results against the alternative limit presented in Table 7.1, Section 7.

Although the calculated plant level (LAeq) at each receptor is below the ‘first aim’ criteria

set in NPPF except during night time, they are above the measured background level

(LA90) at some receptors. As a result, the site activities may be audible at the properties

façades but are unlikely to be dominant in the existing noise environment. The above

assessment indicates that noise from the site operations with respect to residential

receptors is a low impact.




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At R1 (Kemp Farm) the predicted noise level is + 1dB above to the noise criteria during

the night time period but is unlikely to have a significant affect. However, it should be

noted that the noise predictions are considered to be worst case (based on worst case

assumptions) and in practice noise levels are expected to be lower. However, if

complaints are received the continuous monitoring should be undertaken at this receptor.

The monitoring will follow the noise monitoring procedures with Section 19 of this

document. Where exceedances of the criteria are measured in practice additional noise

control measures will be identified by the project team.

16. Complaints Procedure

In the event that exceedances are identified and complaints are raised, appropriate

mitigation measures will be installed to reduce noise levels to within the specified limit.

Where safe and practical works will be stopped immediately following a verified complaint

and exceedance and will not be commenced until adequate noise control measures are

developed and installed.

Furthermore, noise measurements will be undertaken once additional mitigation is in

place, in order to check the effectiveness of those mitigation measures and the

compliance with the noise limits.

The Local Authority’s Environmental Health Department will be informed in writing in the

event of any noise exceedance and the measures undertaken to reduce noise levels. In

the event that noise complainants are raised, the veracity of such complaints will be

investigated. Part of the investigation will be based on construction site logs (identifying

the works and plant used at the time of the complaints) with the rest reliant on the

undertaking of noise monitoring at the complainant receptor or at a representative

location. Complaints will be logged by the project team, and complainants contacted

within 48 hours of the complaint to talk through the investigation process. Where

monitoring is considered to be a necessity, noise monitoring will be undertaken within 72

hours of receipt of the complaint. The project team will keep the complainant updated

throughout the investigation process.

17. Noise Monitoring Equipment

Where monitoring is required instrumentation meeting the standards set out in BS EN

60942: 2018 ‘Electroacoustics – Sound level meters. Specifications’ will be used;

Measurements will comprise of broadband indices LAeq, LA10, LAmax and LA90. The

equipment chosen will be a Class 1 noise level meter with a suitable traceable calibration

certificate. Field calibration will also be undertaken and documented prior to and after

measurements;

18. Noise Monitoring Procedure – Attended Complaint Response or Attended Compliance

Should noise monitoring be requested or required during the works, the following outline

procedure would apply:




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- Measurements will be undertaken in accordance with British Standard BS 7445-

1:2003’ Description and measurement of environmental noise. Guide to quantities

and procedures’,

- The noise survey will be undertaken at the receptor closest to the works,

complainants property or proxy location, whichever is considered most appropriate;

- The noise survey will be carried out during representative working hours for a duration

considered representative of the activity, and where possible inclusive of worst-case

activities, or those responsible for a complaint;

- The noise monitoring results will be used to assess compliance with the applicable

project criteria; and

- Noise monitoring should be undertaken by a competent and qualified person.

Noise survey results will be included in a letter report to be submitted to the Local

Authority Environmental Health Department within one week of the monitoring.

19. Continuous Noise Monitoring Procedure

Due to the minor predicted exceedance in noise levels at Kemps Farm (R1) during the

night time period, a continuous noise monitoring regime may not be required at the

boundary of the residence. However, if complaints are received at this receptor during

any night time operation, then continuous noise monitoring should be undertaken. Noise

monitoring equipment shall be installed in free-field conditions representative of a worst-

case façade of the receptor in the direction of the site works. Noise monitoring will be

continuous over the course of 24 hour periods, where noise monitoring equipment shall

comply with procedures detailed in Section 17. Noise monitoring equipment will either be

battery or mains powered whichever is appropriate. If exceedances over the project

criteria are identified in practice, then further long-term noise mitigation shall be

implemented following the mitigation procedure detailed in Section 22.

20. Noise Monitoring Reporting

Angus Energy Plc will inform WSCC within 24 hours of the occurrence of any exceedance

of the project noise criteria during the attended compliance or continuous noise

monitoring. Angus Energy Plc will inform WSCC of the cause of the alert and implement

any remedial action that is necessary within 48 hours of the occurrence of the event.

Where requested, Angus Energy Plc will submit records showing the raw data collected

at the receptor(s). Noise monitoring reports shall include LA90 and LAeq noise levels, the

prevailing weather conditions, details and calibration of the equipment used for

measurement and comments on the other sources of noise which affect the noise

environment. The data will be presented graphically and submitted within one week

following the end of each weekly monitoring period.




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21. Vibration

Through a review of the construction plant list provided by Angus Energy Plc has shown

that there are no items of plant that would cause the potential to exceed threshold values

in the relevant British Standards. However, if during the operational stages complaints

have arisen due to excessive vibration; vibration monitoring should be conducted during

a period of operation at the identified receptor in order to determine the level of

significance over an appropriate threshold category identified within relevant standards.

22. Long Term Noise Mitigation

If regular exceedances of the project noise criteria are indicated in the results of any noise

monitoring undertaken at Kemps Farm, long term noise mitigation measures to protect

this receptor will be investigated. Long term noise mitigation is likely to be in the form of

a noise barrier. Indicatively this will be the erection of temporary hoarding at 2 meters

height with a minimum surface density of 15 kg/m2 (or manufacturer provide evidence to

confirm minimum of 10dB(A) reduction at 500Hz. If exceedances have been identified on

regular basis then long-term mitigation will be designed and implemented in a reasonable

and practical timeframe.

23. Best Practicable Means and Instantaneous Mitigation

Best Practicable Means (BPM) and instantaneous mitigation methods will be employed

at all times to minimise noise and vibrations. The following general measures will be

included;

- Throttling back gas flow for the flare where appropriate;

- Stopping works where safe to do so;

- Erection of acoustic screens where necessary;

- if required a temporary noise barrier must have at least 15 kg/m2 surface density (or

manufacturer provide evidence to confirm minimum of 10dB(A) reduction at 500Hz),

where possible higher than the line of sight to neighbours;

- using electrically powered equipment run from the mains supply, or when this is not

available, generators compliant with Euro Standard IV;

- use of screws and drills rather than nails for fixing hoardings etc;

- careful handling of materials & waste such as lowering rather than dropping items;

- taking steps to isolate the deconstruction works from sensitive neighbours, in order

to minimise the transfer of vibration and structure borne noise;

- avoidance of unnecessary noise (such as engines idling between operations);

- The site layout should be designed to minimise potential effects on neighbours. A

competent banksman should be employed to provide assistance to vehicles

accessing and leaving the site, thereby ensuring minimal traffic disturbance and

pedestrian safety.

- Vehicle movements should be planned to ensure that Lorries do not arrive or depart

outside standard hours. No daytime or night-time parking of lorries will be permitted




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outside agreed areas.

- shouting, loud radios or excessive revving of engines) by effective site management.

- Permitted working hours for the site work will normally be the following:

o 07:00 – 19:00 hours (Monday to Friday);

o 22:00 – 07:00 hours (night);

o 08:00 – 13:00 hours (Saturday); and

o no working is permitted on Sunday or Bank Holidays.

24. Neighbour Notification

The following neighbour notification procedures will be followed during the operational

works:

Prior to work commencing, the Contractor will liaise with Local Environmental Officer in

order to discuss their methods of working and measures planned to minimise disruption

throughout the construction works; and

- The Contractor should appoint a responsible person to liaise with stakeholders in

order to keep them informed of matters likely to affect them.

- Prior to site work commencing (at least one week before the works or a change in

works), neighbours will be informed of:

o The start date;

o the duration and nature of the project;

o the principal stages of the project;

o possible impacts; and

o details of contact names and numbers of appropriate site personnel.

- The names and contact details of appropriate site personnel should be forwarded to

Local Environmental Officer.

An example of a typical notification letter is presented below:




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25. Draft Notification Letter (Example Only)

Angus Energy Plc Programme – Balcombe, 2x Hydrocarbon

Angus Energy Plc is undertaking operations to pump out the leftover drilling fluids remaining in the

well, and if the well shows oil following the removal of these drilling fluids, then the second stage

would be to carry out the extended well test (EWT). If not, then the operation would likely cease at

this point. All our work will be managed to minimise disruption to our neighbours and residents. We will

continue to write to you with updates and hope you find the below information useful.

Extended Well testing works

Date and Time Description of works

September 2019 – September 2022

Typically 08:00hrs – 18:00hrs Monday to Friday; and

(Well testing will require 24-hour operation)

Also

Saturday

08:00hrs – 13:00hrs Saturday

• Stage 1: Pumping of drill fluids;

• Stage 2: Plug and abandonment of the well; and

Whilst we do anticipate these works will create noise at times we will do what we reasonably can in

order to keep noise levels to a minimum. The local authority has been, and will continue to be,

consulted through the Control of Pollution Act 1974 process regarding the implementation of the works.

We apologise for any inconvenience these essential works may cause and appreciate your patience.

However, if you have any additional questions or concerns, please telephone us on 0208 899 6380

and for more information about the Angus Energy Plc Programme please visit

www.angusenergy.co.uk.

Yours faithfully

Head office

Angus Energy Plc

Angus Energy Plc Neighbour

Angus Energy Plc

Building 3 Chiswick Park

566 Chiswick High Street

Building 3 Chiswick Park

London

W4 5YA

T: 0208 899 6380

06 September 2019




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Appendix A: Plant List

Table A1: Adopted Sound Power Levels Stage 1 – Pumping remaining drill fluids

Plant List: Stage 1 – Pumping remaining drill fluids

Plant

Noise Data

On time (%)

Number of plant items

Screening / dB

Total

Correction

(dB)

Calculated

LW dB(A) from Lp Plant Ref Type

Lp (at

10m) dB(A)

Surge Tank Manufacturer

data - 80 100 1 0 0 108

Pipe work and manifold

Manufacturer data

- 80 100 1 0 0 108

Oil waste and storage

Tanks

Manufacturer data

- 60 100 1 0 0 88

Linear Pump rod - Diesel generator

C4.79 - 64 100 1 0 0 92

Manufacturer data

Manufacturer data

60 100 1 0 0 88

Wheeled Mobile Crane

C4.80 - 70 100 1 0 0 98

Table A2: Adopted Sound Power Levels Stage 2 – Extended Well Test

Plant List: Stage 2 – Extended Well Test

Plant

Noise Data

On time (%)


Screening / dB

Total

Correction

(dB)

Calculated


Lp (at

10m) dB(A)

Test Separator

Unit

MAWP 1440 psig

- 80 100 1 0 0 108

Onboard data

Acquisition system

Manufacturer data

- 50 100 1 0 0 78

Pipe work and manifold

Manufacturer data

- 80 100 1 0 0 108

Surface ESD System

Manufacturer data

- 80 100 1 0 0 108

Choke Manifold

Manufacturer data

- 80 100 1 0 0 108

Surge Tank Manufacturer

data - 80 100 1 0 0 108

Oil waste and storage

Tanks

Manufacturer data

- 60 100 1 0 0 88




20

Plant List: Stage 2 – Extended Well Test

Plant

Noise Data

On time (%)


Screening / dB

Total

Correction

(dB)

Calculated


Lp (at

10m) dB(A)

Linear Pump rod - Diesel generator

C4.79 - 64 100 1 0 0 92

Vapour recovery

Tank

Manufacturer data

60 100 1 0 0 88

Table A3: Adopted Sound Power Levels Stage 2 Contingency 1 – Nitrogen Lift

Plant List: Stage 2 – Contingency 1 - Nitrogen Lift

Plant

Noise Data

On time (%)


Screening / dB

Total

Correction

(dB)

Calculated


Lp (at

10m) dB(A)

Coiled Tubing unit

Manufacturer data

- 90 100 1 -10 -10 108

Nitrogen Converter

Manufacturer data

- 85 100 1 -10 -10 103

Nitrogen Tank

Manufacturer data

- 60 100 1 0 0 88

Table A4: Adopted Sound Power Levels Stage 2 Contingency 2 – Acid Was with CT

Plant List: Stage 2 – Contingency 2 - Acid Wash with CT

Plant

Noise Data

On time (%)


Screening / dB

Total

Correction

(dB)

Calculated


Lp (at

10m) dB(A)

Road Truck C6.21 - 80 100 1 0 0 108




21

Appendix B: Planning Conditions

Condition 13

The corrected noise level for operational noise from the site shall not exceed 55dB(A)

LAeq,5 minutes (free-field) between the hours of 07:00 - 19:00 Mondays to Fridays and 08:00

- 13:00 Saturdays; shall not exceed Background LA90,1 hour + 10dBA evenings (19:00-

22:00) and weekends and shall not exceed 42dB(A) LAeq,5-minutes free-field at night (22:00-

07:00). Noise levels, which shall be continuously monitored and recorded, shall be

determined at Kemps Farm.

• A 5dB correction shall be added to the LAeq noise level to provide a corrected

noise level if one or more of the following features occur:

• the noise contains a distinguishable, discrete, continuous note (whine, hiss,

screech, hum, etc.);

• the noise contains distinct impulses (bangs, clicks, clatters or thumps)

• the noise is irregular enough to attract attention.

Reason: In the interests of residential amenity.

Condition 14

Noise levels shall be continuously monitored at Kemps Farm from the date of the

commencement of development. The results of the monitoring shall be submitted to the

minerals Planning Authority on a weekly basis or on the request of the Minerals Planning

Authority and shall include LA90 and LAeq noise levels, the prevailing weather conditions,

details and calibration of the equipment used for measurement and comments on other

sources of noise which affect the noise climate. If the results indicate that the noise levels

exceed those set out in Condition 13 the mitigation detailed in Condition 15 shall be

implemented within 48 hours.

Reason: To minimise the impact on residents and the environment.

Condition 15

Prior to the commencement of development, the applicant shall submit to, and have

approved in writing by the Minerals Planning Authority a Noise Management Plan. The

Plan shall identify:

• Details of initial noise tests for each item of noise-emitting plant on site to

establish whether noise emissions are compliant with condition 13;

• If not compliant, details of what mitigation would be introduced and timescales for

implementation;

• Details of instantaneous mitigation methods for each item of noise-emitting

equipment (e.g. throttling back gas flow for the flare, stopping works where safe

to do so) and any longer term mitigation;

• Detail of continuous monitoring procedure to monitor noise limits;

• Procedures for addressing any complaints received.




22

Once approved, the Noise Management Plan shall be implemented in full throughout the

course of the development.

Reason: To minimise the impact on residents and the environment.

Documents

Noise Management Plan - West Sussex